Hardware & DIY

Build a Mobile Workstation using Keyboard,mouse and OTG cable

How your smartphone, a basic keyboard, and an OTG cable can create a powerful learning workstation for typing, Excel, and code.

A tablet connected to a keyboard and mouse, showing a spreadsheet.
A tablet setup demonstrating the mobile workstation concept.

In today's digital world, having access to a computer often feels like a necessity, not a luxury. But what if you don't have a laptop or a desktop computer? Most of us use our phones daily, but few realize that with just a few affordable accessories, your smartphone can transform into a functional workstation.

What You'll Need (Total Cost: ~Around Rs. 700 to Rs.900)

You only need a few basic items, many of which you might already have. Prices are approximate.

  • OTG Cable adapter

    OTG Cable / Adapter (Approx Rs.100)

    This small cable plugs into your phone's charging port (USB-C or Micro-USB) and gives you a standard USB-A port, allowing your phone to act as a "host" for other devices.

  • A 4-port USB hub

    USB Hub (Approx Rs.150)

    If you want to connect both a keyboard and mouse simultaneously, a simple USB hub will provide the extra ports you need. Plug this into the OTG adapter.

  • Basic USB Keyboard and Mouse

    USB Keyboard & Mouse (Rs.700)

    Any standard wired keyboard and mouse will work. You can often find these for extremely low prices online or second-hand.

How to Connect Everything

The process is incredibly simple:

  1. Plug the **OTG adapter** into your smartphone's charging port.
  2. Plug the **USB hub** into the OTG adapter.
  3. Plug your **keyboard** and **mouse** into the USB hub.

Your phone will typically recognize the keyboard and mouse instantly. You'll see a mouse cursor appear on your screen!

A smartphone on a stand connected to a full-size keyboard and mouse.
The full setup: phone, stand, hub, keyboard, and mouse.

What You Can Practice

With this setup, you can start learning essential digital skills right from your phone:

  • Typing: Open a notes app (like Google Docs or a simple text editor) and start practicing. Learning touch-typing is a foundational skill for any computer-based work.
  • Excel / Spreadsheets: Download Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel for mobile. You can practice cell navigation with arrow keys, learn formulas like =SUM() or =AVERAGE(), and understand basic data entry.
  • Intro to Programming: Use a mobile code editor (like Replit's mobile app) to practice basic syntax for Python or JavaScript. Typing out variables, loops, and functions on a real keyboard makes the learning process much smoother.